Saved the fast 'til last

For today's final Extra ride of the year we headed across the Forth to Dunfermline in Fife. There was nothing to suggest it would be when we set off, but it turned out to be [probably] the fastest Extra ride ever, and definitely the earliest finish for one. The weather forecast suggested we might see some rain before the ride was over; but it stayed off long enough for us to finish the ride and allow everyone to get home before it arrived. Although we didn't see the sun, it was one of those early autumn days that was warmer than it first appeared, but cooler when the wind blew - the type of day that makes it difficult to dress appropriately for.

Perhaps the forecast put off some riders, and there were a few regulars missing, but a turn out of just 10 riders was lower than expected for the final Extra ride of the year. Today's leader, Alan wasn't overly bothered. He knew that it is always easier to lead a small group, rather than a large one. He even opted to forego a back marker. We left Craigleith on the Blackhall Path and made our way to Cramond Brig via Silverknowes and Barnton. Following a brief pause, we were on our way again and it was beginning to look as if this may develop into a faster paced ride than usual. Going via the path beside the A90 and Dalmeny, we were soon skirting South Queensferry and having a comfort stop at the Forth Bridge visitor centre. Although it was somewhat dull and overcast, there was little wind as we crossed the Forth Road Bridge. Crossing the road, we made our way via cycle paths to Hilton Road and into Rosyth. A recently discovered route past the new Rosyth/SW Fife High School is a great shortcut that avoids a busy stretch of road. We were soon on Brankholm Brae. Whilst it is not the main road into Dunfermline, it was very busy, narrow and undulating. Turning off it onto Grange Road gave little respite from the heavy traffic. That section of the route was not nice at all. It was a relief to reach Pittencrieff Park in Dunfermline, and stop for a picnic lunch in the lovely sensory garden.

Alan had allowed us 30 minutes for lunch, which was sufficient time. We left the park and retraced our outward route back to Rosyth. This time, Grange Road and Brankholm Brae were even worse with heavy traffic. It was a relief to take the quiet paths and weave around the yet-to-be-completed school. We left Rosyth and made our way back towards the Forth Road Bridge. Thanks to a suggestion from Howard, we were able to avoid the narrow and quite busy Ferry Toll Road. Instead, we meandered along cycle paths through some woods and alongside deserted roads to get to the bridge. We had to contend with a strong headwind as we crossed the bridge, meaning the comfort stop once across, was most welcome. From there it was a simple matter of retracing our outward route from the morning back to Craigleith, where we arrived at 2.30 pm. To finish a 20 Milers ride by that time is quite an achievement, but to finish an Extra is unheard of.

Everyone seemed to have enjoyed this year's final Extra, and we were all relieved the rain had stayed off. Thanks to Alan for leading. Probably shouldn't say this, but thanks to Glenn for opting to take on the role of back marker, albeit in an unofficial capacity.

Leader: Alan

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Variations on a bike ride

When planning our rides, we try to avoid too much repetition: heading many times to the same old places by exactly the same routes. But often, by introducing a few subtle changes to a route, we can refresh an otherwise over-familiar journey. Today's outing was a case in point. Our goal was South Queensferry, a place we have visited dozens of times before, including as recently as last May. But this time, our leader, Yaz, made the outing that much more interesting by adding a few variations to the route, including to places where some of the group had never ridden before.

Nineteen riders mustered at the meeting point. The day was somewhat overcast but warmer than of late, with only a moderate breeze. In her briefing, the leader welcomed several newcomers and then gave us an overview of the route. On setting off, we almost immediately came to Variation No. 1. Instead of heading down Middle Meadow Walk and across Bruntsfield Links in the time-honoured way, we turned into the Quartermile. We passed the splendid new Futures Institute, which many in the group were seeing for the first time after the removal of the builders' hoardings around the site.

We exited the Quartermile into Lauriston Place, and then continued via Lady Lawson Street, Festival Square and Rutland Square to Shandwick Place and the West End. Unfortunately, the lovely new segregated bike path in Melville Street was blocked off by road works and we were forced into the road, where contra-flow traffic lights were operating. When completed, these works should result in a greatly-improved street layout around  the junction of Walker Street, especially for cyclists. For now, they were a nuisance, albeit a minor one.

Another first

The next part of the route was another first for many in our group: the CCWEL. This segregated bike path, which runs through the city centre, was opened just six months ago. It took us quickly to Wester Coates, where we joined the well-worn Roseburn Path. The next eight miles were in familiar territory: Craigleith, Barnton, Cramond Brig, Chapel Gate and the village of Dalmeny. Then came Variation No. 2. Instead of our usual route by the sports centre and Roseberry Avenue, we dropped down to the bike path that runs alongside the railway line. This took us onto the delightful Ferry Glen Path, a well-surfaced high-level path that offers a fine view of the Forth Bridge and the Firth of Forth. 

Leaving the path at the Co-op, we headed down The Loan and into the old part of Queensferry for our lunch stop. One or two of our riders made for the Little Bakery café. The rest of us made ourselves comfortable at our usual picnic spot on the steps overlooking the firth.

 

 

As picnic sites go, this is one of the better ones, with take-away hot drinks available from a nearby shop and public toilets just across the street. Two of our riders – both newcomers to the group – mentioned that this was not only their first visit to South Queensferry but also the first time they had seen the Forth Bridge close up. It's always satisfying when we can introduce people to places they had not been to before.

We had made good time through the morning, and by 1 pm we were on our way again. And so came Variation No. 3. Often on our Queensferry runs, we would head east at this point, along the cobbled main street and into the Dalmeny Estate. But to avoid the very rough – and possibly muddy – paths in the estate, this time we headed west, passing the harbour and then tackling the climb up Hopetoun Road. Where the road passes under the Forth Road Bridge, we turned back along Stewart Terrace and through the Hewlett-Packard Estate (that's not its official name, by the way, but it's what many people call it). Once again in Dalmeny village, we retraced our outward route via  Cramond Brig and Barnton. As is often the case, several members of the group peeled off at Craigleith. The rest of us continued on the Roseburn Path and the CCWEL. The only difficulty of returning by this route is that Lady Lawson Street is one-way, with no exception for cyclists, forcing us to dismount and push our bikes. Fortunately, this is only for a short distance. Almost immediately after mounting up again, we were back in the Quartermile. At that point, our leader declared the ride over – fortuitously, right next to the Caffe Nero, which is one of the usual coffee stops after our rides.

So many thanks to Yaz for leading us on such an enjoyable ride, and especially for finding those clever variations that added so much interest to what is already a very pleasant route.

Leader: Yaz

Report and photos: Mike

A Fife favourite

Today's second Extra ride of the year saw us cross the Forth and follow the Fife Coastal Path to Silversands Bay at Aberdour. The weather forecast suggested we could be in for wall-to-wall sunshine. In the end, we had a mixture of sunny spells and some bright, but overcast skies. There was a bit of a breeze, but that and a pleasant temperature made it ideal for cycling. The weather clearly helped us muster seventeen riders at the Craigleith starting point. With the briefing over we headed off on what for many in the group is their favourite ride. We took the familiar route to Cramond Brig where we had the obligatory pause. The path alongside the A90, through Dalmeny village, quiet residential streets of South Queensferry, past the new houses and we were at the Forth Bridge Visitor Centre for a comfort stop. From there we headed across the old Forth Road Bridge into Fife. No matter how many times we've cycled across the bridge, it remains a magical experience. Today, there was a bit of a breeze, it was pleasantly warm and the waters of the Forth were a lovely blue and quite calm. One rider had never ridden across the bridge before, so was able to experience that magic for the first time. Having crossed the bridge, we had to endure the least enjoyable part of the ride - an uphill slog along the main road to get into the centre of Inverkeithing. Leaving the town behind, we headed for the Fife Coastal Path. A mixture of tracks with stunning views across the Forth, and paths through fancy housing estates took us past St David's Harbour, Downing Point and Donibristle Bay on the edge of Dalgety Bay. How the leader found his way through the maze of paths remains a mystery. But he did and we were soon passing the impressive ruins of St Brigget's Kirk. Just prior to St Colm House, the leader's view was obscured by a rider getting too close and he missed the turning for the underpass. As a result, we ended up at the oil terminal gates, and had to retrace our steps. Through the underpass, we were back on course. Turning slightly inland, we followed minor roads and tracks past fields and a golf course to emerge in the village of  Aberdour. Another mile, and we were at Silver Sands for our lunch stop at the lovely Sands Café.

Lunch over, we left Silversands Bay behind and began our journey home. We retraced the outward route from the morning, and were once again able to marvel at the views across the Forth. No missing of the underpass this time, and once again, the paths through the houses saw the leader seem like he was a local. Leaving the delightful coastal path behind, soon we were through Inverkeithing and heading back across the Forth Road Bridge. Another comfort stop at the visitor centre, and we were soon leaving South Queensferry behind. A pause at Cramond Brig, and a short while later we were at Craigleith where the leader declared the ride over.

Thanks to Alan for leading us out to that old favourite, and to Neil for back marking. Everyone had enjoyed themselves, the cycling and scenery had been great and the weather had been kind to us.

Leader: Alan

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Eight out, two back – a damp weekend to Perth

The fourth annual 20 Milers weekend away saw us head north to the fair city of Perth. What turned out to be a damp, and at times downright wet and blustery weekend saw eight set out on Saturday morning. But only two rolled back into Edinburgh in the early evening sunshine on Sunday. Whilst that may seem like a terrible rate of attrition, it wasn’t quite as bad as it sounds.

On a cool damp Saturday morning, a mere eight riders met at the Craigleith marker to begin our journey to Perth. No doubt the weather played a big part, but this was the lowest turnout since our weekend away rides began in 2014. With us all in waterproofs, we headed off along the familiar path towards South Queensferry and the Forth Bridge. One of the group fell courtesy of an uneven drop kerb at Dalmeny. Fortunately, no injury or damage occurred and we carried on through the new housing estate. As we got closer to the bridge we stopped to speak to an old lady walking her dog. She told us she thought the bridge was closed to cyclists as a result of kestrel damage! On arriving at the bridge, we discovered this was not the case. But it certainly made us smile and cropped up in the conversation a number of times over the weekend. Our concern at the bridge was the chaos caused by the roadworks. We are so used to quickly and smoothly making our way to the foot and cycleway on the eastside of the bridge. But not today. We had to negotiate our way to the westside before we could begin our crossing. Once across we were confronted with miles of cones, rope and strange door frames at crossing points. There was one benefit. The usually horribly busy road into Inverkeithing was as quiet as most of us had ever seen it. We left Inverkeithing behind us and headed towards Dalgety Bay. From there we found ourselves on the B901 Clocklunie Road – not Clock-the-loony as some on the group had christened it. This was a steep road that went down into the valley before climbing out at the far side.

Being a busy and narrow road meant we were delighted to see a lovely wide, well surfaced cycle path running alongside. Two brave souls wanted to whizz down the road and see how far up the other side their momentum would carry them. The rest of the group took the path not caring that a gateway at the bottom would scupper any chance of that. It was great zooming down; but it was very hard work going up the other side. We then pressed on through Crossgates, Cowdenbeath and on to Kinross. In Kinross it began to rain heavily. Fortunately, our lunchstop, the Muirs Inn emerged from the gloom and we rushed inside. The rain continued as we enjoyed a lovely lunch. We didn’t rush. One of the group had been checking train times and urged us to get a move on so he could make Perth in time for his train back to Edinburgh. Well, it was time to get moving and the rain had stopped. We made our way through Milnathort and turned left up a minor road towards Netherton. A sign told us this road was closed, but fortunately we were able to get through. On this road about ten horses decided to gallop up and down their field for a few minutes. Perhaps they didn’t get to see many cyclists. We passed through Colliston, Drunzie, Duncrevie and Glenfarg. Near Dron we found ourselves on a beautiful long descent. It may have been a minor road, but the curves were gentle and the surface smooth and free of the dreaded gravel. Some reported hitting 40 mph here. Then came the cloud burst. There was no shelter on this stretch. We had agreed to regroup beneath a bridge that carries the M90 motorway. There was plenty of room under the bridge. It looked as if the weather had set in for the day. We anticipated it being like that all the way to Perth. The rider who wanted to catch his train realised he would make better progress alone, so left us and headed out into the rain. Astonishingly, a few minutes later the rain stopped and the sun made its first appearance of the day, and that’s how it stayed as we made our way into Perth. One rider headed off to meet their lift home, whilst three piled into a strategically parked van for their return to Edinburgh. And then there were three. We made our way to our overnight accommodation, enjoyed the luxury of a hot shower and change of clothes before meeting up for dinner. Obviously, dinner was less lively than in previous years due to depleted numbers.

On Sunday morning, the three remaining riders met beside the main road bridge across the Tay to begin our journey back to Edinburgh. It was dry, bright but cloudy and a touch cool. We retraced our route from the previous day. With the beautiful steep descent near Dron now ahead of us as a most foreboding climb, the leader turned left on to a flat road. Phew! This quiet road led us to the A912. We headed south on this fast twisty road keeping in single file. There was some traffic, but being a Sunday morning it was not overly busy. This led us to our morning coffee stop at the delightful, friendly and welcoming Bein Inn. From there we went through Glenfarg, Duncreavie, Drunzie and Milnathort before arriving at Loch Leven Larder for lunch. The café there looked very nice. But the “you’ll have to wait at least 20 minutes for a table” did not appeal. We got some food from the deli and sat outside, but under cover as it was now raining. In a field closer to Loch Leven a cricket match continued despite the rain. At this point one of the group left us to head to Cowdenbeath for a train back to Edinburgh. And then there were two. We headed down to the loch. A lovely path and fine views should have made this part of the ride lovely. But there was a drawback – the swarms of flies and midges. It began to make sense why so many cyclists heading towards us had their faces covered as if they were on their way to rob a bank. On leaving the lochside and getting back on the road the wind got up. This annoying headwind did not seem to let up until we were back in Edinburgh. This headwind and some dull featureless roads made parts of our journey out of Fife something of a slog at times. At Dalgety Bay the leader suffered the first puncture of the weekend. He told the writer to go on. That wasn’t going to happen. The 20 Milers ethos has always been that we stick together. No one ever gets left on their own.  Puncture fixed and we were rolling again. Once more we threaded our way through the maze of roadworks to get onto the Forth Bridge. Thanks to the strong headwind, climbing to the highest point on the bridge felt like climbing a mountain. Eventually we got across. Not a kestrel in sight. From there familiar roads and paths took us back to the Cramond Brig Hotel for a well-deserved pint. We sat outside the pub in the early evening sunshine and shed our jackets for the first time all weekend. From there we returned to Craigleith where the ride was officially closed, and the final two headed home in opposite directions.

The weekend had been tough at times. Not Peebles tough, but no easy amble. There had been stretchs on some busy roads; but that was balanced by some lovely quiet lanes. Some of the climbs were tough, but going from Edinburgh to Perth – there are hills in between. Think of them as a challenge. Remember, there is no shame in walking up the steepest ones. Sometimes its quicker and easier than riding them! A big thanks must go to Jim for all the effort he put in to planning, recceing and leading the ride. Going out on his own recceing the route in the winter months deserves a mention in despatches, if not a medal.

Leader: Jim
Organiser: Glenn
Report: Glenn
Photos: Glenn and Graham
Map trace: Jim